Basics of rabies prevention in the Republic of Belarus (review)

Introduction . Rabies remains one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases. The Republic of Belarus is affected by animal rabies and the disease is reported in all regions of the country. Objective . The work was aimed at assessment of rabies situation in the Republic and summarizing up-to-date approaches to the disease diagnosis and prevention. Results . Current data on rabies situation in animals and humans in the Republic of Belarus are presented. In the Republic of Belarus, rabies is commonly reported in wildlife and both the country territory and its neighbouring countries (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia). Wild carnivores, foxes, raccoon dogs and wolves are the main reservoir of rabies virus (70% of all reported cases). Domestic carnivores (cats, dogs) are the second rabies reservoir, and sporadic rabies cases are also reported in livestock animals. The main activities of the Veterinary and Sanitary-Epidemiological Service of the Republic of Belarus, including specific rabies prevention in domestic carnivores, oral rabies vaccination of wild carnivores and public awareness campaigns are described in the paper, historical and modern data on the vaccination and its effectiveness, main strategies laid down in the Comprehensive Rabies Prevention Plan for 2021–2025 as well as data on the effectiveness of the specific activities included in the plan are presented. Conclusion . In the Republic of Belarus, rabies remains a significant concern, particularly in wild animals. Key rabies control measures primarily involve the oral vaccination of wild animals and public awareness campaigns. To achieve a sustained reduction in rabies cases in wild and domestic animals and to minimize human exposure risks, the areas of wildlife oral vaccination shall be expanded, domestic carnivore vaccination programs shall be intensified and their control shall be enhanced.